Silver Tankard 1935 - 1942

This is Simon Weiss's rendering of a silver tankard, capturing its form and ornamental detail. The most striking feature is the recurring motif of the human face. These faces are reminiscent of the classical world, of ancient Greek and Roman masks. The mask embodies the theatrical and ritualistic aspects of human expression. The mask’s presence in various contexts, from the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece to the Commedia dell'Arte, reveals its capacity to embody collective emotions. The face, frozen in metal, echoes the stone masks that adorned ancient theaters, channeling collective emotions and subconscious desires. Each face serves as a focal point, inviting viewers to project their own emotions and interpretations, thus turning the object into a mirror reflecting our own inner landscape. The faces adorning this tankard draw upon a rich tapestry of historical and cultural associations. These motifs are not static relics but dynamic forces that continue to resonate.